By Sorie Ibrahim Fofanah
The Executive Director, National Public Health Emergency, Professor Foday Sahr has said over two thousand Kush victims who suffered from psychiatric disorders as a result of the drug have fully recovered after undergoing rehabilitation offered by the government.
Prof. Sahr made this statement during the weekly government press briefing on November 4, 2025 at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown where he explained how a total of six thousand people mentally affected due to their addiction to various drugs have over the last 18 months been successfully treated, amongst which are the kush victims .
He said one thousand four hundred professionals have been trained to manage drug addicts and other drug-related matters.
He explained that six pillars were established by a Task Force on drugs and substance abuse formed last year, which include Rehabilitation and Integration, and Community Engagement noting that one thousand four hundred rehabilitated drug- users are now working as Ambassadors in the anti-drug campaign across the country.
He also spoke of law enforcement - led raids in over 90 communities across Freetown, insisting that the proliferation and abuse of banned substances is not only limited to Sierra Leone but the rest of West Africa.
Prof. Sahr argued that Sierra Leone has the lowest case of drug addicts across the region, saying addicts should not be criminalized referring to them as vulnerable, but emphasized on arresting drug importers.
Speaking at the press conference, the Head National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDEA) who also has been recently appointed as Head of a Special Security Unit, Andrew Jaiah Kaikai urged communities to report drug dealers, adding that the fight against Kush is a collective one.
With the formation of the unit, Kaikai said the primary task is to cut the supply chain.
He urged the public to call the toll free-line 117 to report selling of drugs, saying that there needs to be sustainability in combating the menace.
Deputy Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Alfred Moi Jamiru stressed the need for consistent community engagement, saying “the fight against drugs is everybody’s business.”
He suggested that paramount chiefs and local councils be brought on board to help eradicate harmful substances.
He explained the effects of Kush in the country, citing how some university students have been affected by the problem.
President Julius Maada Bio in April 2024 declared a public health emergency on drugs and substance abuse, with particular reference to Kush. Despite declaring a public health emergency on drugs, widespread drug abuse has become a national concern that has largely affected the youth population.
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